JANUARY 2018
THE MESSENGER A Publication for North Arkansas Electric Cooperative Members
Prepare in event of winter outages Ice, snow and changing temperatures can bring down utility poles, trees and limbs and cause widespread power outages. NAEC works to restore power to our members as quickly as possible, but severe damage can take days or weeks to repair. The co-op wants you to know how to stay safe and comfortable if that occurs. An essential way to do that is to gather an emergency kit now. It needs flashlights, a radio, batteries, nonperishable food, water and medicines. When you are without power, please keep the following in mind: • Treat downed lines as energized and dangerous. Downed power lines do not have to be sparking, arcing or moving to cause harm. • Switch off appliances and all but one light to prevent damaging appliances and overloading circuits when power returns. • To prevent water pipes from freezing, keep faucets turned on slightly so that water drips from the tap. Know how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts. • Check on elderly or disabled friends and neighbors. See OUTAGE on back.
The Energy Efficiency Conservation Loan Program can fund weatherization improvements, such as added insulation in an attic.
Loan program allows members to improve home’s efficiency North Arkansas Electric Cooperative’s Energy Efficiency Conservation Loan Program allows members to borrow money from the cooperative at low interest to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Not only do energy efficiency upgrades improve the comfort of your home, but they also can lower energy costs. The interest rate for these fixed-rate loans is 3 percent; however, this rate is subject to change. All loans require an application process, which does include a credit check. Also, board approval is required for loans exceeding $20,000. Please note that new construction is not eligible. Below are the types of loans available: • Air Source Heap Pumps — All air source heat pump loans require a SEER rating of at least 14 and an HSPF of 8.2 with an amortization schedule for eight years. A $100 blower door test is required and can be financed. • Geothermal Heat Pumps — All geothermal heat pump loans will have an amortization schedule for 12 years. A $100 blower door test is required and can be financed. • Weatherization — Weatherization loans can apply toward Energy Star windows, Energy Star doors, insulation (ceiling, floor or wall) and electric water heaters with efficiency of 91 percent or greater. The amortization schedule is five years with a required minimum loan of $500. See LOAN PROGRAM on back.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP OF THE MONTH Looking for an easy way to make your home cozier? Try using an area rug to increase the insulation levels of your floors. Area rugs are stylish and can keep cool air from entering through your floors. Your toes will thank you!